MSP premiums to be halved January 1

Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums will be cut by 50 per cent on Jan. 1, 2018.

“MSP premiums are unfair and place a significant burden on British Columbians,” said Carole James, provincial finance minister in a press release. “I’m proud that we are moving away from these regressive fees and creating a more equitable system by eliminating MSP premiums entirely within four years.”

In addition to the 50 per cent rate cut, the income threshold for full exemption from MSP premiums under the premium assistance program will also be raised by $2,000, as of Jan. 1, 2018.

In November 2017, the Minister of Finance established a task force to examine the best approach to replacing the revenue from eliminating MSP premiums. The task force is comprised of respected experts in economics, law and public policy, to advise on the best path to eliminating MSP premiums. Government will receive its report by March 31, 2018.

Quick Facts:

Enhancements to premium assistance, effective Jan. 1, 2018, mean:

An individual earning up to $26,000 per year will pay no premiums.

A couple earning up to $29,000 per year will pay no premiums.

A senior couple earning up to $35,000 per year will pay no premiums.

A single parent with two children earning up to $32,000 per year will pay no premiums.

A couple with two children earning up to $35,000 per year will pay no premiums.

Bill Phillips

Bill Phillips is an award-winning journalist and columnist with more than 30 years experience. He was the winner of the 2009 Best Editorial award at the British Columbia/Yukon Community Newspaper Association’s Ma Murray awards, in 2007 he won the association’s Best Columnist award. In 2004, he placed third in the Canadian Community Newspaper best columnist category and, in 2003, placed second. He is the former editor of the Prince George Free Press.